Optical Properties and Interference Effects of the Lens Mitochondrion

The lens mitochondrion of the tree shrew, located along the optical pathway between the lens and photoreceptors, has been investigated. The results suggest that the lens mitochondrion acts as a quasi-bandgap or imperfect photonic crystal. Interference effects cause a shift in the focus and introduce wavelength-dependent behavior similar to dispersion. Optical channels within the mitochondrion form a mild waveguide, preferentially propagating light within certain compartments. The lens mitochondrion also functions as an imperfect UV-shielding interference filter. Overall, this study provides insights into the dual role of the lens mitochondrion and the complex behavior of light within biological systems.

[1]  Shiyong Wu,et al.  Ultraviolet Light, Unfolded Protein Response and Autophagy † , 2023, Photochemistry and photobiology.

[2]  Y. Ozawa.  Oxidative stress in the light-exposed retina and its implication in age-related macular degeneration , 2020, Redox biology.

[3]  A. Malfatti-Gasperini,et al.  Refractive index and thickness determination in Langmuir monolayers of myelin lipids. , 2017, Biochimica et biophysica acta. Biomembranes.

[4]  Yuru Deng,et al.  A look through ‘lens’ cubic mitochondria , 2012, Interface Focus.

[5]  V. Hearing,et al.  The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin † , 2008, Photochemistry and photobiology.

[6]  P. Autier,et al.  Photoprotection , 2007, The Lancet.

[7]  B. Momeni,et al.  Modeling the propagation of optical beams in three-dimensional photonic crystals , 2007 .

[8]  C. Mannella.  Structure and dynamics of the mitochondrial inner membrane cristae. , 2006, Biochimica et biophysica acta.

[9]  G. Scott.  Photo protection begins at the cellular level: microparasols on the job. , 2003, The Journal of investigative dermatology.

[10]  P. Garstecki,et al.  Photonic properties of multicontinuous cubic phases , 2002 .

[11]  E. Yablonovitch.  Photonic crystals: semiconductors of light. , 2001, Scientific American.

[12]  John Lekner,et al.  Light in periodically stratified media , 1994 .

[13]  J D Mollon,et al.  Photosensitive and photostable pigments in the retinae of Old World monkeys. , 1991, The Journal of experimental biology.

[14]  J. Mollon.  "Tho' she kneel'd in that place where they grew..." The uses and origins of primate colour vision. , 1989, The Journal of experimental biology.

[15]  B L Cole,et al.  What Do Color Vision Defectives Say About Everyday Tasks? , 1989, Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry.

[16]  G. Rager,et al.  Structure and postnatal development of photoreceptors and their synapses in the retina of the tree shrew (Tupaia belangen) , 1987, Cell and Tissue Research.

[17]  J. Ordy,et al.  STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE RETINA IN THE TREE SHREW (TUPAIA GLIS) , 1966, The Journal of cell biology.

[18]  S. D. du Plessis,et al.  Ultraviolet Light Induced Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. , 2017, Advances in experimental medicine and biology.

[19]  Y. Zou,et al.  Xeroderma Pigmentosa Group A (XPA), Nucleotide Excision Repair and Regulation by ATR in Response to Ultraviolet Irradiation. , 2017, Advances in experimental medicine and biology.

[20]  R. Hołyst.  Liquid crystals: infinite networks of surfaces. , 2005, Nature Materials.